Branding

Companies have long been convinced of the ROI that can be generated by performing good will. From enhanced brand reputations and more-productive employees, case studies have shown increases to companies’ bottom lines that can be directly attributed to corporate social responsibility activities. In the first quarter of 2015, businesses' commitment to this strategy was evident.

Out of the mouths of babes—or at least 9-year-olds—can flow some pretty sage advice for CEOs and business chiefs. At least when it comes from Alina Morse, the founder of a startup company called Zollipops, which has received national acclaim for its innovative product—cavity-fighting lollipops. Here are 8 basic but timeless insights based on the Zollipops experience.

Super Bowl XLIX was remarkable for many things—the great game, the bad coaching decision, the record-high viewing audience—but the advertising successes of mid-market companies may have been the most surprising development of any.

The Super Bowl is the biggest and most expensive marketing stage in America, and by many measures, in the world. And while some big-brand regulars are backing away from the Big Game this year and its $4.5-million fee for 30 seconds of advertising during the game telecast on NBC, many other CEOs are eager to see their companies take those slots—even small companies that might seem to have no business placing such a huge bet on a half-minute of air time no matter what the venue.

History shows that ignoring or missing a major consumer trend or behavioral shift can have significant detrimental effects on brand survival. Some never recover, but others have learned how to reinvent themselves. Here are some suggestions for revitalizing a brand, from CEOs who have achieved it.

Tom Duncan The Challenge. You’re a manufacturing company looking to make headway in a market saturated with established brands. Like you, your competitors operate cost-efficient manufacturing facilities in China, so competing on price is not an option. What’s more, several peer brands are owned by the very retail channels you’re hoping to sell through—fiercely territorial players unlikely to give prime ...

Gone are the days when you might get the occasional survey request in the mail, or — dreaded — on the phone. And remember those postcards in hotel rooms asking you to comment on your stay? So 1990’s. Now, it’s digital, and it’s relentless.